DLRG registers more fatal bathing accidents
Despite the unpredictable weather, more people drowned between January and July than in the previous year. The German Life Saving Association (DLRG) urges people not to swim in rivers and to pay more attention to their own safety.
At least 253 people died in bathing and water accidents in Germany in the first seven months of the year. This is 35 more than in the same period last year, according to the DLRG in Düsseldorf. Around 150 people have drowned since the start of the bathing season at the beginning of May, according to the organization's interim report. "If the summer had been more consistent, even more lives would have been lost," said DLRG President Ute Vogt.
So far, 77 people have died in lakes, compared to 82 in the same period last year. For the third year in a row, there have been more fatal accidents in rivers. By July 31, 2024, there were 92 cases, compared to 77 in the same period last year. Vogt advised against swimming in rivers. "Flowing waters pose the greatest dangers," she warned. Two-thirds of the total number of deaths occurred in lakes and rivers.
13 people drowned in the sea in the first seven months of the year, ten of them in the Baltic Sea and three in the North Sea. This is nine more than in the same period last year. Most of these were boat and water sports accidents, or bathing accidents early in the morning or late at night. Eight people died in swimming pools.
Many do not think enough about safety
Almost every third victim whose age is known was over 70 years old. 64 people in this age group drowned. A further 60 people between the ages of 50 and 70 also died. This means that the number of people over 50 who drowned has increased by 41 compared to the same period last year, according to the DLRG's report. Pre-existing conditions are often the cause of bathing accidents among older swimmers. Seven children under the age of ten have also died.
There have been 20 fatal accidents involving leisure activities such as stand-up paddling or boating by the end of July. This number is already as high as the whole of last year. The DLRG advises people to wear life jackets when engaging in water sports. "Unfortunately, many people do not think enough about their own safety, do not take precautions, and overestimate their abilities," explained Vogt.
People also had accidents in flood areas, the DLRG pointed out. Climate change also brings new challenges in terms of safety. People spend more time near water throughout the year, increasing the likelihood of accidents. More frequent floods also put people's lives at risk. The DLRG is calling for more education about the dangers of water and floods.
Given the rising number of bathing accidents and drowning incidents, the DLRG strongly suggests avoiding swimming in rivers due to the inherent risks associated with flowing waters. Unfortunately, many individuals overlook their safety, underestimate potential hazards, and fail to utilize necessary precautions while participating in water activities.
